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College Football

College football world remembers Hawaii icon Robert Kekaula after his passing

Keith Farner

By Keith Farner

Published:

The college football world lost a broadcasting icon on Saturday when Robert Kekaula, known for calling Hawaii football games, passed away.

Kekaula was KITV’s assistant news director and Spectrum Sports’ play-by-play announcer for Hawaii football telecasts. As the Star Advertiser reported, he delivered reports with the vibrancy to match his bright custom-tailored aloha shirts. His contacts were so strong in the UH sports community that colleagues nicknamed him the “General Manager.”

Kekaula also was a talented musician and composer. His friendship circle did not have boundaries. Kekaula was embraced by the music community to law enforcement.

“We have heavy hearts this morning as our ‘ohana has lost its mighty wings,” the Kekaula family wrote in a statement. “Robert Kaleimomi Kekaula passed peacefully at 8:25 a.m. surrounded by his family. He lived his life his own way and was so much to so many people. His heart was full of love for his family, sports, and most of all, music.

“Our wings are broken but we will fly again one day. And Robert will fly besides us and continue to guide us along the way. Mahalo to everyone who touched his life along his journey. Aloha ‘oe to our father, partner, brother, uncle, friend. We ask for privacy as we get through this difficult time.”

Keith Farner

A former newspaper veteran, Keith Farner is a news manager for Saturday Down South.

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